HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN 1300, 1550, 1650 AND 1850
Say the name Courchevel and most people picture a single glamorous resort. In truth it is a family of villages, each perched at a different altitude on the same mountainside, each with its own personality, clientele and rhythm. Choosing the right one is the single most important decision you will make when planning an Alpine holiday here, because it shapes everything from the length of your morning ski to the character of your evenings. This guide walks through the four main villages so you can find the one that suits you.
Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz)
The lowest and oldest of the villages, Le Praz is a cluster of traditional Savoyard farmhouses gathered around a church and a frozen lake. It is quiet, wooded and genuinely pretty, with the Olympic ski jump rising above the rooftops. Le Praz suits those who want authenticity and calm over glitz, yet a gondola still links you directly into the wider ski area within minutes. Evenings here are about a good restaurant and an early night rather than a late bar.
Courchevel 1550 (Village)
A short way up the mountain, 1550 is the value-conscious, family-friendly choice. It has a relaxed residential feel, good access to the slopes by cable car, and none of the pressure of the resort above. Families and groups who care more about time on snow than being seen tend to gravitate here, and prices reflect that.
Courchevel 1650 (Moriond)
Bathed in sunshine for much of the day thanks to its east-facing aspect, 1650 has quietly become one of the most sought-after villages. It offers wonderful beginner and intermediate terrain on its doorstep, a friendly village atmosphere, and easier access than the crowds realise. It is the sweet spot for families who want quality without the full theatre of 1850.
Courchevel 1850
This is the Courchevel of reputation: designer boutiques, Michelin stars, private jets landing at the altiport, and some of the most spectacular chalets in the Alps. The skiing on your doorstep is superb, the apres-ski is polished, and the sense of occasion is unmatched anywhere in the Three Valleys. If your priority is the very best of everything and a location at the beating heart of the resort, this is where you belong.
For travellers set on the pinnacle of the resort, courchevel 1850 chalet rentals put you within walking distance of the slopes, the boutiques and the finest tables, with the space and service of a private home. It is the address that defines Courchevel in the wider imagination, and staying there means you never have to travel far for anything the resort is famous for.
So Which Village Is Right for You?
If you want glamour and the best of the resort at your feet, choose 1850. If you want sunshine and a family-friendly base, look at 1650. If value and calm matter most, 1550 and Le Praz reward you handsomely. Whichever you pick, remember that all four are joined to the same vast ski area, so the mountain itself is never more than a lift away. The real question is simply what you
